Love this club

Steven Taylor says he was never called up to the England during Fabio Capello's spell because the Italian thought he was a midfielder.

The Newcastle United centre-half has been called in by Roy Hodgson to replace injured Chelsea defender Gary Cahill for World Cup qualifiers with San Marino and Montenegro and was delighted to finally be given a chance in his proper position.

"Last season (Capello) didn't come (to see Newcastle) when we had the best defensive record up to Christmas," he told reporters.

"The gaffer went to some event and Capello was there and he said: 'You should come up and see Taylor'. And Capello said: 'I'm all right for midfielders'. That did a lot for my confidence, it was almost back to the feeling I had when we got relegated."

He added: "I would run through brick walls to play for my country. It would be the proudest moment in my career and if it comes, I would be absolutely delighted, over the moon, call it what you want. I will be there.

About the author

Andrew Slevison is an avid sports fan, particularly of the world game. The Melbourne, Australia native, who has spent time living in London and travelling South America, takes a keen interest in the English Premier League and Major League Soccer and rates his best live footballing moment as the 2014 World Cup final in Brazil.